Indiana Goes All-In, Online Poker Included In Latest Internet Gaming Bill

The attempt to legalize internet gaming in Indiana will indeed encompass online poker.

On Monday, Sen. Jon Ford presented his interactive gaming bill. This internet casino bill was introduced in response to the closure of physical casinos due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In the initial draft of the bill in October, Ford excluded online poker. He believed that its inclusion might complicate the bill’s passage.

Nonetheless, his opinion changed after conversing with colleagues and individuals in the Indiana gaming industry.

“Ford said, “They didn’t anticipate the issue being as significant as I predicted it might be. However, we’ll find out. I’m adopting the strategy that if it becomes problematic, I can always remove it.”

Ford is hoping for a hearing of the bill, S 417, in the Senate Public Policy Committee this month.

Indiana Internet Gaming Bill Details

Ford’s legislation permits the 14 casinos and racinos in Indiana, including the anticipated Rocksino in Terre Haute, to provide online poker and internet casino games.

The details included in the Indiana online casino bill are:

• Casinos and racinos are required to pay $500,000 for an interactive gaming license, which can be renewed every year for a fee of $50,000.
• Each casino has the potential to partner with a maximum of three online brands, also known as skins.
• Internet gaming operators are required to pay $100,000 for their initial license, which can be renewed annually at a cost of $25,000.
• Revenue from internet gaming is taxed at 18%, of which 3% is allocated for local governments.
• The Addiction Services Fund receives 3.33% of the collected state tax revenue.

Ford is hopeful that Indiana will be able to pass legislation by April.

Just like in all state legislatures this year, the pandemic’s unpredictable impact could either thwart or boost the chances of the bill.

“Due to COVID, the number of bills we usually process might decrease,” stated Ford. “The process may take a bit longer. We’ll hopefully avoid quarantine as it could significantly slow down the progress.”

Nonetheless, the financial implications of the pandemic signify the state’s need for revenue. Here’s a method to generate revenue without hiking taxes.

“Ford stated, “We predict an annual tax revenue ranging from $65 to $80 million, which definitely strengthens the argument. Besides, our casinos are operating at only 50% capacity without any food and beverage services. Given the significant decline in the casino industry this year, it’s crucial we pass this bill to provide necessary support.”

Since circulating the draft language of the bill in October, Ford has been able to gauge his colleagues’ opinions on the issue. The feedback has been positive. The legislative session in Indiana continues until April 29.

“Many people I converse with don’t appear to have a problem with this,” said Ford. “Everyone is pleasantly taken aback by the success of sports betting. A significant portion of sports betting revenue is generated online, which I believe clearly demonstrates that the younger generation in Indiana is genuinely interested in mobile gaming.”